Instinct or Discipline?
By Gary Roberts
...developing 'instinct' in a team takes time, and the players must be allowed to mature as footballers together.

This development stage can be upset easily by injury or by a key player leaving the club. The cycle must begin immediately with the newcomer given team decision-making drills, leading to the on field discipline and hopefully leading to the new player able to slot in the 'team instinct' situation.
We have seen where, players that have a natural instinct, become the key players, but is that enough or can it be hindrance to the development of the team structure?


So, what is the answer Instinct or Discipline?


There is no correct answer.

One most likely leads to the other. One thing that is correct though is to be successful at both, it begins on the training fields with repetitive skill drills involving repetitive decision making drills under constant pressure. The initial decision-making on game day appears to revolve around a 'smart' halfback.


Successful teams do have a 'team instinct' that is developed by having longevity with their players.

This has allowed them to have matured and gelled together as a football team.


Before a 'team instinct' can be developed a 'disciplined team' must be established.